Stone hopeful of re-signings and new recruits

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Incoming Newcastle Knights coach Rick Stone is hopeful of shoring up his forward stocks and signing a couple of extra men before the Novocastrians commence the 2015 NRL season.

With Newcastle sacking Zane Tetevano midway through the year before saying their farewells to forwards Adam Cuthbertson, Matt Hilder, Travis Waddell and Willie Mason by season's end, the Knights are now left with a considerable hole in their pack to fill.

Stone however is confident both veterans will stick around to presumably see out their careers in the Hunter.

"I'd like to think they'll stay at the Knights," Stone told NRL.com.

"We have to get through a couple of things before we tick them off the list but they are both keen to stay at the club which is important and once we get a few other things sorted hopefully they'll re-sign quickly."

With rumour rife former Australian and Newcastle prop Antonio Kafusi is seeking an NRL contract and Dragons prop Jack Stockwell given permission to look elsewhere, there remains potential for the Knights to sign more forwards ahead of 2015.

While Stone remained coy over specifics, he did mention there should be enough room in the club's salary cap to recruit a few "basement buys" in the near future.